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Prepare for Digital Asset Management Implementation With a Playbook

Digital asset management (DAM) can be an intimidating subject.

The goal is clear. Help people find and use the digital assets they need. But the metadata, taxonomy, roles, permissions, and integrations to make that possible can give even the savviest teams hesitation. Then you factor in the unique organizational structures, workflows, technologies, and change management and it’s no surprise that some DAM programs stall.

We’re here to tell you it’s possible to keep implementation of your DAM system on track. Many others have been in your position, grappling with its complexity, and have worked their way through it. Not only did New Balance implement a new DAM system with around 60,000 assets to approximately 1,000 global users in under four months, but they also won an award for their work!

No two DAM implementations are the same, but you can learn from others’ success. So, we’ve packaged up best practices and processes we’ve developed alongside our customers in the Digital Asset Management Implementation Playbook. This playbook outlines the key things you can do to make things go smoothly before, during, and after DAM implementation.

Before: Planning for implementation
Planning is an important part of your DAM system implementation. It can mean the difference between a long, arduous launch or a clearly executed and optimized launch. At this stage you’ll tackle questions like:

Who will be using your DAM system

What types of formats of assets will go in your DAM system

Where are your existing assets located today

How do your users want to interact with your assets

What’s your vision statement for DAM

During: Key components of the implementation process
Once you’ve done some due diligence and asset preparation, you’re ready to start the actual implementation process. During implementation you’ll:

Create an implementation schedule with milestones

Review system functionality

Structure and configure your site

Establish governance

Apply and extract metadata

Choose a DAM system admin

Train system admins and users

After: Keeping your DAM system functional and usable
DAM is an ongoing program. Through continual site maintenance, audits, training, and user engagement tactics, you can help ensure that your DAM goals are met, year after year. Keeping your DAM system functional and usable includes: